When to plant kale in zone 3b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3B

Growing SeasonZone 3b

Last frost ~May 25First frost ~Sep 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 20 · Sow May 4 · First harvest Jun 23 · Wrap by Sep 15

Last spring frostMay 25

Start seeds indoorsApr 20

Direct sowMay 4

First harvestJun 23

Last harvestSep 15

Fall succession sowJul 7

First fall frostSep 15

Why these dates work in zone 3b

Zone 3b's last spring frost averages May 25 and first fall frost Sep 15 — about 113 frost-free days. Kale tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 5 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jul 7 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does kale take to grow in zone 3b?

Kale matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 3b that means sowing around May 4 and first picking around Jun 23.

Will kale survive frost in zone 3b?

Yes — kale tolerates light frost. In zone 3b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 25) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 15).

Can I plant a second crop of kale in zone 3b?

Yes — in zone 3b there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 7 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full kale growing guide →